Man walks free after murder conviction vacated

Nearly 23 years after he was found guilty of murder, Evin King will walk free.

Author:
WKYC Staff

Published:
1:07 PM EDT April 19, 2017

Updated:
1:07 PM EDT April 19, 2017

Nearly 23 years after he was found guilty of murder, Evin King will walk free.

On Wednesday, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office announced the decision to vacate King's 1995 murder conviction.

DNA evidence that was processed during the original trial has now been deemed invalid. As a result, King is a free man.

King has maintained his innocence since 1995, when he had was accused of killing his girlfriend, Crystal Hudson. Based on DNA, King's presence in Hudson's apartment and inconsistent statements provided by King, a jury found him guilty.

King appeared at a court hearing Wednesday and entered the room to a round of applause from his friends and family. Watch the emotional video in the player above.